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Levetiracetam in children with refractory status epilepticus.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Gallentine, WB; Hunnicutt, AS; Husain, AM
Published in: Epilepsy Behav
January 2009

The objective of this study was to investigate the utility of levetiracetam (LEV) in children with refractory status epilepticus (RSE). Records of children with RSE who received LEV as adjunctive therapy were reviewed. Over a 7-year period, 11 children had received LEV for RSE. Age ranged from 2 days to 9 years (median = 2.5 months). Prior to administration of LEV, the number of anticonvulsants used to treat RSE ranged from 2 to 7 (median = 3). Starting doses of LEV ranged from 15 to 70 mg/kg (median = 30 mg/kg). LEV was felt to be of benefit in 45% (5/11) of cases, resulting in either resolution of RSE or successful weaning of patients off continuous infusions of other anticonvulsants. In 27% (3/11), response to LEV was unclear as other medications were either added or increased concomitantly with LEV use. The median latency to cessation of RSE following LEV initiation was 1.5 days (range = 1-8 days). All responding patients were on LEV doses >or= 30 mg/kg/day (median 40 mg/kg/day). No significant adverse effects of LEV were reported. LEV may be an effective and safe adjuvant therapy in children with RSE.

Duke Scholars

Published In

Epilepsy Behav

DOI

EISSN

1525-5069

Publication Date

January 2009

Volume

14

Issue

1

Start / End Page

215 / 218

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Status Epilepticus
  • Piracetam
  • Neurology & Neurosurgery
  • Male
  • Levetiracetam
  • Intubation, Gastrointestinal
  • Injections, Intravenous
  • Infant
  • Humans
  • Female
 

Citation

APA
Chicago
ICMJE
MLA
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Gallentine, W. B., Hunnicutt, A. S., & Husain, A. M. (2009). Levetiracetam in children with refractory status epilepticus. Epilepsy Behav, 14(1), 215–218. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yebeh.2008.09.028
Gallentine, William B., Addie S. Hunnicutt, and Aatif M. Husain. “Levetiracetam in children with refractory status epilepticus.Epilepsy Behav 14, no. 1 (January 2009): 215–18. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yebeh.2008.09.028.
Gallentine WB, Hunnicutt AS, Husain AM. Levetiracetam in children with refractory status epilepticus. Epilepsy Behav. 2009 Jan;14(1):215–8.
Gallentine, William B., et al. “Levetiracetam in children with refractory status epilepticus.Epilepsy Behav, vol. 14, no. 1, Jan. 2009, pp. 215–18. Pubmed, doi:10.1016/j.yebeh.2008.09.028.
Gallentine WB, Hunnicutt AS, Husain AM. Levetiracetam in children with refractory status epilepticus. Epilepsy Behav. 2009 Jan;14(1):215–218.
Journal cover image

Published In

Epilepsy Behav

DOI

EISSN

1525-5069

Publication Date

January 2009

Volume

14

Issue

1

Start / End Page

215 / 218

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Status Epilepticus
  • Piracetam
  • Neurology & Neurosurgery
  • Male
  • Levetiracetam
  • Intubation, Gastrointestinal
  • Injections, Intravenous
  • Infant
  • Humans
  • Female